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Hafner's playing time won't be limited

Hafner's playing time won't be limited

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Travis Hafner is batting over .300 in Cactus League games this spring.

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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Indians manager Manny Acta carefully regulated Travis Hafner's playing time down the stretch last season, giving the designated hitter scheduled days off to rest his surgically-repaired right shoulder.

When Opening Day arrives this year, Acta will not be implementing a similar strategy.

"We're not starting that way," Acta said on Sunday morning. "He feels better and he had a better offseason."

Over the final two months of the season, Acta tried not to use Hafner for more than four games in a row. The 33-year-old DH responded well, hitting .302 in the 36 games he played following a stint on the disabled list.

Hafner ended the season batting .278 with 13 home runs, 29 doubles and 50 RBIs in 118 games, representing the most he played in one campaign since suiting up for 152 contests in 2007. That was also the last time Hafner managed at least 20 homers or 100 RBIs in a single tour.

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This spring, Hafner has only launched one home run, but he has hit at a .283 clip in the 17 Cactus League games he's played. Asked about Hafner's power production, Acta said he had no concerns right now.

"I'm not worried about Hafner," Acta said. "I think if he stays healthy and plays more often than he has in the last couple of years, which I'm anticipating, I think you can expect him to hit 25 home runs and drive in 90-100 runs."